Sudden Dizziness and Numbness: Which Specialist to See?

Sudden dizziness and numbness in the hands?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, I have experienced sudden dizziness and nausea while standing, feeling like the whole world is spinning, and it is accompanied by numbness in my hands.
This has happened twice in the past month with the same symptoms.
If I want to go to the hospital for an examination, which department should I see?

Angela, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/26

Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology

Dear Angela, regarding this issue, please visit the ENT department or the neurology department at the hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

Reply Date: 2016/02/26

More Info

Experiencing sudden dizziness and numbness can be concerning, and it is essential to seek appropriate medical attention to determine the underlying cause. Given your symptoms of dizziness, a sensation of the world spinning (which could indicate vertigo), and numbness in your hands, it is advisable to consult a specialist who can evaluate these symptoms comprehensively.

The most appropriate specialist to see in this case would be a neurologist. Neurologists specialize in disorders of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Your symptoms could be indicative of various neurological conditions, such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), migraines, vestibular disorders, or even more serious conditions like multiple sclerosis or stroke. A neurologist can perform a thorough examination, which may include neurological assessments, imaging studies like MRI or CT scans, and possibly blood tests to rule out other causes.

In addition to a neurologist, you might also consider seeing an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, particularly if your dizziness is accompanied by hearing changes or if you suspect it could be related to inner ear issues. Conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or vestibular neuritis can cause similar symptoms and are often managed by ENT specialists.

When you visit the specialist, be prepared to provide a detailed history of your symptoms, including when they started, how long they last, any triggers you have noticed, and any other associated symptoms (such as headaches, visual changes, or weakness). This information will help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

It is also important to consider that dizziness and numbness can be caused by non-neurological issues as well, such as cardiovascular problems, anxiety, or metabolic disorders. Therefore, if your symptoms are severe or accompanied by other alarming signs (such as chest pain, severe headache, difficulty speaking, or weakness on one side of the body), you should seek emergency medical care immediately.

In summary, for your symptoms of sudden dizziness and numbness, starting with a neurologist is the best course of action. They will be able to evaluate your condition thoroughly and determine if further testing or referrals to other specialists are necessary. Remember, timely evaluation is crucial in addressing potential underlying health issues effectively.

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